CF Forest Ecology and Silviculture 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which silvicultural system is most appropriate for shade-intolerant species like aspen and jack pine?
- Selection system
- Shelterwood system
- Clearcut system (Correct answer)
- Single-tree selection
Correct answer: Clearcut system
Clearcut systems regenerate shade-intolerant species by providing full sunlight to the entire site.
Question 2: What is the term for the process by which nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen to a plant-available form?
- Nitrification
- Denitrification
- Biological nitrogen fixation (Correct answer)
- Mineralization
Correct answer: Biological nitrogen fixation
Biological nitrogen fixation converts N₂ gas into ammonia through bacteria such as Rhizobium and Frankia.
Question 3: In forest succession, what is the term for the gradual replacement of one plant community by another over time?
- Competition
- Facilitation
- Seral progression
- Forest succession (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Forest succession
Forest succession describes the sequential replacement of plant communities from pioneer species to climax vegetation.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes a 'mast year' in forest ecology?
- A year with maximum timber growth
- A year of synchronous heavy seed production by trees (Correct answer)
- A year with the tallest stand heights
- A year with maximum canopy cover
Correct answer: A year of synchronous heavy seed production by trees
A mast year is characterized by synchronous, exceptionally heavy seed or nut production across a tree population, often in response to climate cues.
Question 5: Which stand structure characteristic is most associated with uneven-aged management?
- Single canopy layer with uniform height
- Multiple age and size classes present simultaneously (Correct answer)
- Even spacing of dominant trees
- Absence of understory vegetation
Correct answer: Multiple age and size classes present simultaneously
Uneven-aged management produces stands with multiple age and size classes coexisting at the same time.
Question 6: What forest floor layer is primarily composed of partially decomposed organic matter that retains its original structure?
- O horizon (Oi/L layer)
- O horizon (Oe/F layer) (Correct answer)
- O horizon (Oa/H layer)
- A horizon
Correct answer: O horizon (Oe/F layer)
The Oe (fermentation) layer consists of partially decomposed organic matter where original structure is still recognizable.
Question 7: In the shelterwood silvicultural system, what is the primary purpose of the seed cut?
- Remove all mature trees at once
- Create seed sources and favorable microclimate for regeneration (Correct answer)
- Remove competing understory vegetation
- Harvest low-quality trees before final harvest
Correct answer: Create seed sources and favorable microclimate for regeneration
The seed cut retains a portion of the overstory to provide seed sources and modify microclimate conditions favorable for natural regeneration.
CF Forest Ecology and Silviculture 2
Which silvicultural system is most appropriate for shade-intolerant species like aspen and jack pine?